The City of Victoria has hired two new leaders with extensive experience in their fields who are ready and eager to serve the Victoria community. Annette V. Ponce was sworn in as the Victoria Fire Department fire marshal on Nov.
18. She brings to the role nearly 30 years of diverse experience in fire prevention, investigations and outreach, along with a passion for community engagement. “I am deeply committed to fostering growth in Victoria and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community,” Ponce said.
“A thriving environment is built on collaboration and a dedicated focus on public safety, and I look forward to serving the City, the department and our residents.” Ponce started her career with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department in 1994 as a fire prevention officer and rose through the ranks as a senior fire prevention officer and as a lieutenant. She joined the Arson/Fire Investigation division in 2017 and was promoted to the rank of captain, leading a team of six fire investigators.
In 2022, she retired from the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department and became the public information manager for the Orlando Fire Department. Ponce has experienced firsthand the importance of building strong relationships with the community and within the department, values that she sees reflected in the Victoria Fire Department. “Victoria has a close-knit fire department, and the command staff have a very strong presence in the community,” Ponce said.
“I was impressed by the departm.